Suspected Boko Haram insurgents have attacked a facility of the Nigera Customs Service in Geidam Local Government Area, killing one officer, identified as Usman Gombe.
It was gathered that the insurgents stormed the Customs house along Maine Soroa road in a Volkswagen Golf and a Land Rover around 10pm on Saturday and started shooting.
“They struck when they were sure the customs officers had retired home. Rattled by the rain of bullets, the officers scampered for safety, some escaped through the gate, while others scaled the fence.
“Unfortunately, one of the officers, Usman Gombe was shot dead while attempting to climb the fence”, a security source said.
He noted that the assailants also burnt down the customs patrol van, a generator and part of the customs house building.
“This is the second time that the Boko Haram insurgents are killing customs officers. Last month, an officer, Babalola and his junior officer were abducted and later killed by the insurgents”, he added.
Residents of the town lamented that the activities of Boko Haram insurgents on the outskirts of Geidam had increased in recent days.
“They collect taxes from farmers and herdsmen a few kilometers from the town and nobody is doing anything.
“Instead, the security operatives have relocated over 17 checkpoints into the town where they also taxed traders that brought goods through the same route. We are in difficult condition in this town”, one of the traders alleged.
Meanwhile, the, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, NSCDC, in Akko Local Government Area of Gombe State has arrested three persons involved in illegal mining.
It was learnt that they were arrested at a site in the Gamawa community in Akko LGA, operating in violation of the mining clearance that was approved by the Federal Government.
Confirming this to journalists on Sunday, the State Commandant of the NSCDC, Muhammad Muazu, noted that illegal mining has been a source of concern in the country, following its dangers and contributions to environmental degradation, soil erosion, deforestation, and water pollution as well as other forms of security challenges.
He described the arrest by his command as a significant milestone in the fight, as it sends a strong message to illegal miners within the State.
